Slipping into a swimsuit might seem like a simple act for many, but for Lexi Reed, it’s a declaration of self-love, resilience, and victory.
While most people head to the pool focused on sunblock and snacks, Lexi walks in with the visible reminders of a life-changing journey—one she embraces with pride, not shame.
From Nearly 35 Stone to a Whole New Life
At 34 years old, Lexi Reed from Indiana has completely transformed her life.
At her heaviest, she weighed a staggering 34 stone and 9 pounds.
But what followed was not just a weight-loss story—it was a tale of reclaiming her life.
Through sheer willpower, consistent effort, and daily discipline, Lexi shed an incredible 22 stone.
Her Instagram page, @fatgirlfedup, became a beacon of hope for over 1.2 million followers who watched her journey unfold in real-time.
She didn’t rely on diet fads, medication, or surgery to lose the weight—instead, she committed to healthy eating and daily workouts.
The First Challenge That Changed Everything
Back in 2016, a friend challenged her to a 30-day streak—no junk food, no alcohol, no sugary drinks, no cheat meals, and daily workouts.
That was the spark Lexi needed.
In just one month, she dropped over 23 pounds and kept pushing forward.
Over the next two years, her transformation snowballed into something extraordinary.
Lexi proudly shared, “I lost all my weight with diet and exercise—no trainer, no surgery, no magic fix.”
For her, it was about building a lifestyle she could sustain and learning how to love herself through the process.
A Body That Tells Its Own Story
While her weight loss was incredible, it came with its own set of challenges.
Lexi was left with significant amounts of loose skin—something that many might choose to hide.
But not her.
“I’m covered in loose skin,” she admitted in a recent interview, “but every scar, every wrinkle, every bump tells the story of the battles I’ve fought and survived.”
Even after undergoing skin removal surgery in 2018, much of the skin remained, along with other health issues.
The Battle With Calciphylaxis
One of Lexi’s toughest health challenges has been dealing with calciphylaxis—a rare and serious condition that causes painful skin ulcers, calcium buildup in blood vessels, and can even be life-threatening.
The illness has left visible marks on her legs—varicose veins, scars, and hardened yellow-white bumps—and has taken away her ability to swim, something she once loved dearly.
Still, she doesn’t let it define her.
“When I was almost 500 pounds, I wasn’t worried about loose skin,” she explained.
“I was worried I wouldn’t live to see 30.”
Refusing to Hide Her Body
This summer, despite everything her body has endured, Lexi chose to wear her swimsuit with pride.
And she shared that moment with her followers—not for validation, but to empower others.
Her post garnered over 19,000 likes and countless comments filled with encouragement.
“My journey hasn’t been easy,” she wrote.
“But I’m thankful every single day that I’m still here, fighting to be the best version of me.
I’ll take this body—with every scar, skin fold, and calcium mark—over the life I used to live, any day.”
A Wave of Love and Support
Lexi’s vulnerability sparked a wave of love online.
One follower commented, “Wow, you heroine! I love that you love your body because you’ve survived.”
Another wrote, “I also had calciphylaxis—it was the worst pain I’ve ever known. Thank you for sharing your story.”
Her husband, Danny, who has been by her side through it all, left an emotional note of his own: “I’ll never forget when the doctor diagnosed you.
We felt everything all at once—but you never let fear win. I’m so proud of you, babe.”
Embracing the Present, One Day at a Time
Today, Lexi isn’t chasing perfection.
She’s embracing progress.
While not being able to swim anymore is painful, she’s focusing on what she can do—live, thrive, and inspire others every single day.
“I love this body for all it’s done for me,” she said.
“I’m healthy, I’m happy, and I’m alive. That’s all I ever wanted.”
What’s Next for Lexi?
Lexi continues to share updates with her loyal online community, not just about her health, but about living with purpose.
She’s using her story to educate others, encourage body positivity, and prove that transformation is more than skin-deep.
And as for what’s next?
Lexi isn’t chasing numbers on a scale anymore.
She’s chasing a full, vibrant life—and it looks like she’s already well on her way.